Tiong Bahru moves at its own pace.
The old prewar blocks sit low and unhurried, and the streets between them stay shaded most of the morning. I’d been wandering through the neighborhood, a bakery here, a bookshop there, when I found myself in front of a small counter with a whisk and a green so deep it looked almost like moss after rain.
I sat down at Matchaya without quite deciding to.
A Tea Company, Not Just a Matcha Cafe
Most people think of Matchaya Singapore as a popular matcha spot. The brand sees itself a little differently. It calls itself a tea company, one that builds new tea products so more people can enjoy tea for every occasion.
The story starts with a trip to Japan in 2015. The founders learned about Chado, the Way of Tea, and came home unable to find the matcha they remembered. So they went back, sourcing ingredients from different prefectures and meeting tea farmers and tea masters directly.
That respect shows in the cup. The goal is to create and play with flavours and textures without losing the quality of the leaf itself.
Inside the Progressive Tea Bar at Tiong Bahru
The Tiong Bahru outlet is Matchaya’s flagship in Singapore. It isn’t tucked inside a department store or squeezed into a mall kiosk. It has its own space, quieter, more considered, and it feels like somewhere the brand actually chose rather than settled for.
The progressive tea bar idea gives it a centre of gravity. Tea isn’t just handed over a counter. Watching the preparation feels like part of the visit. On a sun-warmed morning, there’s nowhere I’d rather be with a cup in hand.
The brand has also appeared at other locations over the years, a Paragon kiosk, a Cathay presence, an Icon Village pop-up, but compared to all of them, Tiong Bahru is where the full Matchaya experience comes together.
What's on the Japanese Tea Menu
The range goes well beyond matcha.
There’s sencha, houjicha, and genmaicha. There’s Royal Milk Tea, Black Yuzu Tea, and a Lavender Yuzu Houjicha that sounds odd until you remember how well citrus and roasted tea get along. The brand also offers raspberry-flavoured beverages that bring a slightly fruity twist to the tea experience. Menus change with the seasons, so what you find may not match what I saw.
The Ceremonial Grade Matcha
This is the heart of it.
Matchaya’s ceremonial grade matcha uses the Okumidori cultivar. It’s a first-flush spring harvest, hand-picked and sourced from fourth-generation tea farmers in Japan. The brand describes it as robust, well-bodied, and intensely umami. Some drinkers also notice soft chocolate notes underneath.
There’s also the Ceremonial Matcha 8, another Okumidori blend. It’s smoother and more creamy, and it’s made with lattes in mind.
My Matcha Latte
I ordered a matcha latte as my first drink, and it didn’t apologise for being matcha.
It was thick and rich, more grassy than sweet. The milk softened the edges without washing them out. I held the cup a little longer than I needed to.
If you love your matcha mild, this may feel overpowered. I’d recommend starting with something milkier. For me, it was the perfect balance, and was right where I wanted it.
Soft Serve and Something Small
The soft serve comes in Uji Matcha, Houjicha, and Kurogoma (black sesame). You can also take home tubs at around S$14.90 each.
The Kurogoma has a nutty depth that lingers. Warabi mochi has turned up here too, soft and wobbly and dusted in powder. It’s the kind of small, quiet sweet that doesn’t need much to work.
Ceremonial Matcha, Simply Served
Service felt calm and unhurried while I was there. It’s a tea bar first, so expect to order at the counter rather than be fussed over.
Customer feedback on the brand is mostly warm, praising the strong flavour and the quality. A few people have mentioned a batch of powder tasting slightly different from the last, or an order not being ready on time. Those are individual moments. They’re worth knowing, but they aren’t the whole picture.
Before You Visit Matchaya Singapore
Address: 82 Tiong Poh Road, #01-05, Singapore 160082
Opening hours: Daily, 9:30am–9:30pm
Getting there: Havelock, approximately seven minutes’ walk
Spend: Around S$15 per person, depending on what you order
Booking: Walk-in
One honest note: Matchaya also has outlets at Suntec and has previously appeared at Jem, Ngee Ann City, and other locations. Availability and formats can shift by year, so check the official outlets page before making a trip to any branch that isn’t Tiong Bahru.
The old Paragon kiosk has closed, so don’t head there.
Would I Go Back?
Yes, and I’d bring someone with me next time.
Tiong Bahru is already a neighbourhood worth a slow morning. Matchaya fits it the way a good tea should fit a quiet house, without fuss, without noise, but with enough presence that you notice when it’s gone.
I came in tired. I left with a green ring at the bottom of my cup and a little more quiet in me than before.
For these reasons, Matchaya Tiong Bahru is one of those places worth finding your way to, whether you’re a dedicated matcha drinker or someone who just wants to dine somewhere that takes its craft seriously.
If you’re exploring further, there are plenty of articles on Singapore’s best cafes that are worth a slow afternoon.
FAQ
What should I order?Choose a matcha latte if you like strong, rich matcha, or a Kurogoma soft serve if you’d like something gentler. Raspberry beverages are also a popular choice for those who prefer something sweeter.
Is the matcha very strong?It can be. The ceremonial grade is robust and umami-heavy, so milder drinkers may prefer a milk-based blend to start.
Can I customise my order?Yes, customers can customise their beverage and food choices to suit their taste and occasion.
What makes Matchaya worth visiting compared to other cafes?The source matters here. Matchaya works directly with tea farmers from different prefectures in Japan, and that care comes through in every cup.
Is Matchaya suitable for special occasions?It’s a lovely spot to bring someone for a quiet occasion, or simply to create a complete moment of calm in the middle of a busy day.
Finally, what should I know before visiting?Check the latest opening hours and outlet listings on the official website before you go, and don’t assume the old Paragon kiosk or other past locations are still active.
